Here are five facts about the COP26 Climate Change Conference on Wednesday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is urging countries to “pull out every last one” as the first draft agreement on how countries will reduce their emissions to prevent temperatures from rising by more than 1.5C is released. As the climate summit draws to a close, he will be returning to COP26 in Glasgow to meet with ministers to discuss the progress made and any remaining gaps. Johnson says that there is still much to be done, but that “negotiating teams are working hard in these last days of COP26 to make climate change action a reality.” Follow our updates here.
In an odd, counterintuitive battle against climate change, trees are being felled to save a city. It’s been three years since Cape Town, South Africa, pushed dangerously towards “Day Zero”, the point when four million people would be without water due to drought. Tens of thousands of trees have been cut down on the mountains around them to protect these reservoirs. Lou Palmer-Masterton is the owner of three vegan restaurants and says there’s a new movement that is “exploding right currently, and it makes sense.” She is referring to carbon labeling on food packaging and menus, which shows the environmental impact of a product with a carbon dioxide – CO2 – emissions score.
The label is being used by increasing numbers of companies. Should it be included on all products? We investigated. Image source: AlamyShe spends most of her day at a socially isolated desk, surviving on a diet consisting of carbon-counted sarnies. Helen Briggs, BBC science reporter, believes that the best way to describe COP26 would be to imagine a never-ending airport terminal. She tells us that there are many languages and many outfits aside from the bright saris and sleek suits. This is her account of life behind the scenes at COP26. Rising sea levels, drought, and fires all feature. The winning entry by Spanish photographer Antonio Aragon Renuncio shows a child sleeping in a house that has been destroyed by coastal erosion. This image highlights the rising sea level in West African countries. Check out the other inspiring pictures.
What would happen to the world if temperatures rise by 2C or 3C? All tropical coral reefs would disappear at 2C and flooding would increase. Many more people would be exposed to extreme heat and animals and plant species would be forced from their habitats. Climate change would lead to hundreds of millions of people being forced from their homes by rising sea levels. Your question may be published. It will display your name, age, and location unless you specifically request otherwise.
